Written question asked by Christopher Chope (Conservative) on Thursday, 6 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 February 2003. It was answered by David Jamieson (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 February 2003 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will take steps to increase existing levels of consumer protection for flight only customers of low-cost airlines; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to increase existing levels of consumer protection for flight only customers of low- cost airlines; and if he will make a statement. [97258] Mr. Jamieson: The Government has recently been involved in extensive discussions at a European level on a proposal for a regulation establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to air passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delays of flights. Political agreement was reached on this proposal at the European Transport Council in December 2002. This regulation, which will apply to all airlines operating within the European Union, will ensure a higher level of protection for passengers in cases of denied boarding, cancellation and delay. A ministerial letter detailing the outcome of the Transport Council was sent to the Parliamentary Scrutiny Committee on 10 December 2002.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 97258; 399 c625-6W;399 c623-4W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Compensation Consumers Airlines EU action Protection Passengers Standards
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk